The Zendo Project w/Valerie Beltran & Chelsea Rose – What Happens When a Trip Goes Sideways

In this powerful episode of Divergent States , we’re joined by Valerie Beltran and Chelsea Rose-Pires of the Zendo Project- an organization redefining harm reduction and compassionate care at festivals, events, and beyond. We explore how the Zendo Project began as a MAPS initiative and evolved into its own nonprofit dedicated to supporting people through difficult psychedelic experiences and emotional crises, not with judgment or clinical detachment, but with radical empathy and peer support . From creating safe spaces at Burning Man to launching training programs for crisis responders, Valerie and Chelsea offer insight into how the Zendo Project is transforming both event culture and the broader conversation around mental health, community care, and psychedelics. Whether you’ve had a challenging trip, want to support others through non-ordinary states, or are just curious about what real-world harm reduction looks like, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 🧘‍♀️ Learn how just being present can change lives. 🧠 Discover why “sitting, not guiding” is a revolutionary principle. 💬 And find out how you can get involved, support their mission, or even join them in the field. ✨ “You don’t have to be altered to walk into the Zendo. You just have to be human.” – Valerie Beltran 🔗 Learn more or get involved: zendoproject.org 💚 Donate. Volunteer. Sit with someone. It matters. Forgot to mention on the episode, but big thanks to Future Boogz for letting us feature their track on this episode! Ach for the art, Brad for the help, and all of the Patreon Supporters! All content in Ask Me Anything sessions are for educational purposes only. Zendo Project does not provide any legal, medical or mental health advice. Consult with a lawyer, doctor, or mental health therapist before making any significant decisions for your own situation. Any references to third party websites or service providers are made without any warranties, express or implied. All participants should conduct their own due diligence on any third party websites or professionals before engaging in any conduct. Zendo Project does not encourage or facilitate any illegal conduct. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Zendo Project and Festival Collaboration 04:06 Understanding the Zendo Project's Mission and History 10:27 The Role of Outreach and Community Support 14:46 Experiencing a Zendo Session: What to Expect 17:56 Collaboration with Medical Services and Event Producers 21:11 Challenges in Harm Reduction Awareness 23:57 Exciting New Partnerships and Initiatives 27:39 Success Stories and Impact of the Zendo Project 32:10 The Impact of Zendo Project 34:06 Getting Involved: Training and Community 36:13 Education and Outreach in Psychedelic Spaces 39:06 Navigating Adverse Experiences 42:45 Challenges in Providing Services 44:01 Future Vision and Growth of Zendo Project 48:10 Inclusivity and Accessibility in Support Services 52:08 Integration After Experiences 54:57 How to Support Zendo Project Send us Fan Mail Love the podcast? Help keep the conversations going by checking out our official merch shop! We've got t-shirts, hoodies, hats, mugs, stickers, and more, with new designs added regularly. Every purchase helps support independent, honest conversations about psychedelics, science, and culture. Shop now: https://divergent-states-shop.fourthwall.com/ FiresideProject.org Download the app or text/call 62-FIRESIDE <a target="_blank" href="https://zendoproject